Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Replacing Front Left Wheel Arch
When replacing front right wheel arch: observe specific procedure regarding the vehicle identification number, (order new body part with vehicle identification number if necessary)
Observe procedure of REPAIR STAGE 3 .
Read contents of BODY GENERAL .
STRIP DOWN vehicle.
Use only approved SPOT-WELDING APPARATUS for repairs.
Place vehicle on straightening bench.
Following new body parts are required (see Electronic Parts Catalogue):
- (1) Wheel arch, front
- (2) Extension, wheel arch carrier support
- (3) Shaped part, wheel arch carrier support (not shown)
Following CONSUMABLES are required:
| Material | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Adhesive K1 | 1 |
| Blind rivet N1 | 8 |
| Blind rivet N7 | 29 |
| Blind rivet N3 | 5 |
| Punch rivets N5 | 12 |
| Sealant D1 | |
| Cleaning agent R1 | 1 |
New part preparation
Open welded connections in areas (1).
Centre punch the welded connections in area (2) in the middle and drill out with a drill diameter of 6.8 mm.
The bore holes in areas (2) are required for fitting the blind rivets.
The new part is joined the areas (1) by plug-welding.
Open welded connections in areas (1).
Centre punch the welded connections in area (2) in the middle and drill out with a drill diameter of 6.8 mm.
Remove components (3) which are not required.
The bore holes in areas (2) are required for fitting the blind rivets.
The new part is joined the areas (1) by plug-welding.
Open welded connections in area (1).
Remove component (2) which is not required.
Views of the wheel arch (new part) to be fitted:
- (1) View from outside
- (2) View, engine compartment
Removing the wheel arch
Mark severance cut (1) at component edge and cut.
Mark severance cut (2) as pictured and cut.
LOOSEN spot-welded adhesive joints in area (3).
Open welded connections in area (4).
Release metal section from cavity sealing (5) and remove.
Remove cavity sealing (5).
Open welded connections in area (1).
Open welded connections In areas (1) and (2).
Open welded connections In areas (1).
Open welded connections in areas (1).
Remove the wheel arch.
Fit in new part
Adjust wheel arch new part to fit with alignment bracket or universal mount and secure.
Areas (1) and (2): Transfer existing 6.8 mm diameter bore holes for blind rivets to engine support.
In areas (3), prepare new part and vehicle for plug-welding.
In areas (1) and (2), prepare new part and vehicle for plug-welding.
Areas (1): Transfer existing 6.8 mm diameter bore holes for blind rivets to engine support.
In areas (2), prepare new part and vehicle for plug-welding.
In area (1), prepare new part and vehicle for plug welding.
In area (1), prepare new part and vehicle for plug welding.
Mark and disconnect severance cut on the new part according to the severance cut on the vehicle + 20 mm added material (1).
Adjust extension, wheel arch carrier support new part to fit and secure.
In areas (1) and (2), set 6.8 mm diameter bore holes for blind rivets.
| Area | Number |
|---|---|
| 1 | 3 |
| 2 | 5 |
In area (3), set 4 4.2 mm diameter bore holes for blind rivets N3.
Remove new parts and deburr bore holes.
OBSERVE preparation of bonding surfaces.
Installing new part, front wheel arch
Clean bonding surfaces with cleaning agent R1.
Apply adhesive to bonding surfaces.
Install wheel arch with alignment bracket or universal mount.
In areas (1), rivet new part with blind rivets N1.
In areas (2), rivet new part with blind rivets N7.
In areas (3) weld new part.
In areas (1) and (2), weld new part.
In areas (1), rivet new part with blind rivets N7.
In areas (2) weld new part.
Weld new part in area (1).
Weld new part In area (1).
Installation of extension, wheel arch carrier support
Clean bonding surfaces with cleaning agent R1.
Apply adhesive to bonding surfaces.
Apply sealant to CAVITY SEALING . Install cavity sealing.
Install extension, wheel arch carrier support.
In areas (1) and (2), rivet new part with blind rivets N7.
In area (3) rivet new part with blind rivets N3.
In areas (4) and (5), rivet new part with punch rivets N5.
| Area | Number |
|---|---|
| 4 | 6 |
| 5 | 5 |
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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